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Conflicting schedules give SARU a headache

The Currie Cup play-offs could be postponed by at least a week if the Sharks manage to finish first or second in the standings after the league phase.

The semi-finals of the competition are due to be played on October 7-8, but the problem is South Africa are scheduled to face New Zealand in the Rugby Championship at Kings Park on October 8.

If the Sharks finish second in the table, they play the third-placed team in Durban on the 8th. If they finish first, they are due to face the fourth-placed team at Kings Park on the Friday night, October 7.

It is unlikely that they will be able to play at home that weekend because playing a Currie Cup game before the Test match on the same field over the same weekend could damage the playing surface, especially if it rains.

Therefore the possibility exists that the semi-finals will be postponed, which means the final, scheduled for October 15, would also need to be moved back.

A spokeperson for the South African Rugby Union (SARU) told Netwerk24 they are aware of the clash in schedule and are working behind the scenes with all the relevant parties to find a solution.